State of Mind, the badass drum and bass duo straight out of New Zealand, has been ripping apart the electronic music scene since they blew up in 2005. Patrick Hawkins and Stuart Maxwell, the masterminds behind the madness, are infamous for their killer sound, adrenaline-pumping live shows, and revolutionary impact on the drum and bass world. Want to know more? Our blog’s got the full breakdown!
State of Mind exploded when Patrick Hawkins and Stuart Maxwell collided at an Auckland drum and bass club night. Fueled by an obsession for electronic music and an insatiable hunger for innovation, they joined forces and began crafting tracks that would soon electrify audiences worldwide.
Their music is a wild blend of heavy basslines, intricate drum patterns, and mind-bending sound design. As masters of the neurofunk subgenre, State of Mind's releases are infamous for their fierce and futuristic vibe. Drawing from a mix of electronic music styles, their sound is as versatile as it is relentless.
State of Mind has teamed up with drum and bass heavyweights like Concord Dawn and Gridlok. They’re also signed to Black Sun Empire’s 'Blackout' label, a major game-changer in their career.
This move has secured their spot with top labels like Viper Recordings, Shogun Audio, and Eatbrain, and is reflected in their impressive track record, showcasing their evolution and dominance in the genre.
Here, you can explore their sickest albums:
Beyond these legendary creations, State of Mind’s collaborations are next-level. “Dark Man” with TREi & Jabz MC is a prime example of how they bring the heat with top talent.
They’ve also teamed up with heavyweights like Lifesize MC, Coppaa and Neonlight dropping tracks that cut through the noise and keep the dancefloor lit. Their remixes, like Tali’s “Love & Migration” (ft. Malaky & Georgie Fisher) - State of Mind Remix, show they can take a tune to the next level, infusing it with their signature intensity and flair.
State of Mind’s relentless drive and high-octane creativity haven’t gone unnoticed. Their groundbreaking impact on drum and bass has earned them global recognition, including two UK Drum and Bass Arena Awards nominations for Best Album. They clinched the win with their fourth studio album, Eat the Rich, in 2014.
Back in their home turf of New Zealand, they’re just as unstoppable. They grabbed the “Breakthrough Artist” award and shared “Electronic Single of the Year” with Concord Dawn for "Aces High" at the 2006 bNet Awards. Their debut LP Take Control scored a nod for “Best Electronic Album” at the 2007 New Zealand Music Awards.
And their winning streak didn’t stop there. They landed another nomination for Nil By Ear in 2012, and their 2020 album Land of the Blind earned them yet another shot at “Best Electronic Artist”.
State of Mind's live performances are straight-fire. They’ve blazed trails worldwide, turning festivals and events into full-throttle drum and bass ragers. With their technical brilliance and crowd-crushing energy, missing their show is not an option for any hardcore fan.
Here are the iconic venues where they've brought the house down:
Trust us, you’ll want to check out the video just below!
But State of Mind aren’t just producers, they’re the masterminds behind SOM Music. With over 30 fire releases from artists around the globe and distribution through Triple Vision and Rhythm Method, SOM Music is a game-changer in the scene. And this groundbreaking energy extends to their radio show, "Next Level."
Once a staple on 95BFM, "Next Level" is now a must-listen podcast, cranking out the hottest tracks and exclusive mixes from the biggest names in drum and bass.
This evolution proves State of Mind is shaking things up big time, from their gritty Auckland beginnings to a global takeover. Their ride is all about raw talent, unfiltered passion, and taking their sound to the absolute edge.
Visit State of Mind’s website for tour dates and catch them live! >>>
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